The National Society takes pride in the historic houses and rooms which are furnished and maintained throughout the United States by the individual State Societies. Notable projects throughout the years include the reconstruction of the original church at Jamestown Virginia, the construction of the Spanish American War monument at Arlington Cemetery, the building of the granite canopy over Plymouth Rock in Massachusetts, operating rooms and provisions for hospital ships during World War I, work with the USO during World War II, help for patients during the Vietnamese Conflict, and the publication of many historical books.

More than 70 properties are affiliated with the Corporate Societies nationwide, of which 42 are wholly-owned and/or completely managed by the Corporate Societies. With respect to the other properties, Dames provide various types of support including financial, volunteer services, donations of furnishings and other objects, and management participation with state and municipal governments, local historical groups and private preservation entities. 

In November 2000, the National Trust for Historic Preservation presented their prestigious Trustee Emeritus Award for Excellence in the Stewardship of Historic Sites to The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America "for acquiring, restoring, and interpreting a collection of historic properties that offer invaluable opportunities to experience the rich variety of America's heritage."
The National Society of the Colonial Dames of America was founded in 1891 by a group of Philadelphia women, dedicated to Colonial History historic preservation and patriotism. Maryland followed the State of Pennsylvania and became the second State Society. By 1894, ancestral State Societies had been established n all of the original thirteen colonies and the District of Columbia. Associate Societies have been established in thirty additional states, for a total of forty-four Corporate Societies bound together by the Covenant of 1908 which requires that each member coming into The Society have an ancestor from one of the original thirteen colonies.
About the NSCDA
The activities of the NSCDA include research, preservation and publications such as Ancestor Bibliography Register, Ancestor Profiles (short biographies), Colonial and Pioneer History Videos, Decorative Arts Sampler Survey, Historic Trips, Inventory of American Painting and  Sculpture, Oral History, Plaques and Historic Markers and other publications. In addition, the NSCDA conducts activities that promote responsible citizenship and the study of American history with particular emphasis on the fundamental documents, traditions and workings of our country and its government.

Projects include:

  • • Citizenship and welcoming projects for new citizens
  • • Educational programs in elementary schools including subjects such as the Bill of Rights, the Great Seal, early statehood history and flag programs
  • • Scholarship grants to Native Americans to study nursing
  • • Scholarship awards to students of American history
  • • Sponsorship of high school essay contests on American history subjects; winners are sent to Washington • Workshops Congressional Seminars sponsored by the Washington Workshops Foundation
  • • Service to military, and projects for the benefit of American servicemen and women during wartime.
Our Activities